Connecticut Road Signs Practice key terms

A sign that states a law or rule drivers must obey, such as a speed limit, stop, or turn restriction. Most are white with black or red legends and carry legal force.

A white rectangular sign with black numerals stating the maximum lawful speed in miles per hour on that road. The posted number applies to ideal conditions only.

The rule that a driver must never travel faster than is safe for current conditions, even when posted limits are higher. Rain, ice, fog, and traffic can lower the lawful speed.

An eight-sided red sign with white letters requiring a complete halt at the stop line or crosswalk. The driver then yields to traffic and pedestrians before proceeding.

An intersection where every approach has a stop sign, so vehicles take turns in arrival order. If two arrive together, the vehicle on the right goes first.

An inverted red-and-white triangle telling drivers to slow down and give the right of way to cross traffic or pedestrians. Stop only if necessary to let others pass.

A sign showing which movements are allowed from each lane, such as left-turn-only or straight-ahead-only arrows. It may be posted overhead or beside the road.

A sign prohibiting vehicles from standing or parking along a curb, often with arrows or times. Violations can lead to a ticket or towing.

A regulatory sign warning that illegally parked vehicles will be removed at the owner's expense. It often names the specific restriction, such as a rush-hour or snow-emergency ban.

A yellow diamond sign alerting drivers to a hazard or change ahead, such as a curve, hill, or narrowing road. It does not state a law but calls for reduced speed or caution.

A small yellow rectangular sign placed below a warning sign giving a recommended safe speed for the hazard. It is advice, not a legal maximum, but exceeding it is unsafe.

A yellow sign with a black arrow-like chevron used through sharp curves to show the direction of the bend. A row of them guides drivers around the turn.

A yellow warning sign showing two lanes joining into one, telling drivers that traffic will enter or combine ahead. Drivers should adjust speed and leave a gap.

A yellow warning sign showing that a lane ends ahead, often with a symbol of a lane tapering away. Drivers in the ending lane must merge safely.

A yellow warning sign with a skidding-car symbol indicating the pavement loses traction in rain or snow. Drivers should slow down and avoid sudden braking or steering.

A yellow warning sign showing a steep downgrade with a percentage, telling drivers to expect a long descent. Trucks and heavy vehicles may need a lower gear.

A small yellow or black-and-yellow sign placed on or near a fixed obstacle such as a bridge pier or island. It makes the hazard visible to approaching drivers.

An orange diamond or rectangular sign warning of construction, maintenance, or utility work ahead. Orange means temporary conditions and possible workers, equipment, or lane shifts.

A trained worker who controls traffic through a work zone using a stop/slow paddle or hand signals. Drivers must obey the flagger's directions, which override normal signals.

An orange or black-on-white guide sign directing traffic around a closed road or work zone along an alternate route. Drivers should follow the marked path rather than improvise.

The use of cones, barrels, barricades, signs, and flaggers to manage traffic through or around a work zone. Devices are orange or high-visibility and may change daily.

A sign giving directions, destinations, distances, or route information, typically green, blue, or brown. Guide signs inform rather than command or warn.

A shield-shaped sign identifying a numbered highway, such as an interstate, U.S., or state route. The shape and color tell drivers which highway system the road belongs to.

A green guide sign announcing an upcoming exit, usually with the exit number, destination, and distance. Advance warning lets drivers change lanes and slow in time.

A blue sign listing nearby amenities such as gas, food, lodging, or hospitals, often with distance and direction. It helps drivers plan stops without leaving the highway blindly.

A yellow-green pentagon sign marking the approach to a school area, often paired with a reduced speed limit when children are present. Drivers must watch for children and crossing guards.

A sign posting a lower speed limit near a school, sometimes with flashing beacons or time-of-day plates. The lower limit applies only during the stated hours or when lights flash.

Pavement markings, often parallel white lines or a ladder pattern, showing where pedestrians should cross. Drivers must yield to pedestrians in a marked or unmarked crosswalk.

A signal head showing a walking person or hand symbol to control pedestrian crossings. A flashing hand means do not start crossing; a steady hand means wait.

A pedestrian signal that adds audible tones or spoken messages and tactile cues for people with visual disabilities. It works alongside the visible walk and don't-walk symbols.

Pavement symbols and lines designating a lane reserved for bicycles, often with a bike symbol and arrow. Drivers may cross it only when turning or parking where permitted.

A pavement symbol of a bicycle with chevrons placed in a travel lane to show that bikes and cars share it. It also indicates the safest riding position away from parked cars.

A round yellow sign with a black X and two R's marking a rail crossing ahead. Drivers should slow, look both ways, and be ready to stop for an approaching train.

A white X-shaped sign with black letters reading RAILROAD CROSSING, posted at the track itself. It means yield to trains, which always have the right of way.

Flashing red lights and a bell, often with a gate, warning that a train is approaching. Drivers must stop when lights flash or gates lower and never drive around them.

Painted lines, arrows, and symbols on the road surface that guide or regulate traffic. Yellow separates opposing directions; white separates same-direction lanes or marks edges.

A solid white line across a lane showing where vehicles must stop for a sign, signal, or crosswalk. Stopping beyond it can block pedestrians or intrude into the intersection.

Pavement arrows and lines marking a lane reserved for turning, often a two-way left-turn lane between opposing traffic. Drivers should enter it only to make the intended turn.

An electric signal with red, yellow, and green lights controlling right of way at intersections. A steady red means stop; green means proceed only when the way is clear.

A signal displaying a flashing red or yellow light instead of steady colors. Flashing red means stop and proceed when safe; flashing yellow means slow down and use caution.

An overhead signal, often a green arrow or red X, showing whether a lane is open or closed to traffic. It supports lanes whose direction changes by time of day.